Chapter 4

Todd's retaliation was far more shameless and despicable than I'd anticipated.

On the morning of the third day, I was still on my way to the law firm when Alex started calling me nonstop. The moment I answered, his low, tense voice rang out. "You need to check the news right away, Mr. Carter! Something terrible has happened!"

I put on my Bluetooth earpiece and, while driving, activated the phone's voice assistant to read the trending news headlines out loud.

"Mason Carter, the Top Criminal Defense Attorney in the State, Refuses to Save Someone in Need Following His Failure to Demand a Sky-High Retainer Fee!"

"Has the Grim Reaper Finally Exposed His True Colors? Is He Actually a Cold-Blooded Monster Who Shows No Respect for the Law?"

"Breaking News! Mason Carter Is Actually the Son of an Embezzler!"

When I heard the third headline, my foot stiffened on the accelerator, and my gaze turned icy.

Todd had indeed mobilized every media connection and comment farm at his disposal. Not only had he fabricated rumors about me across the internet, but even more heinously, he had dug up Dad's case from 15 years ago and dragged every detail into the open again.

Across the internet, countless paid trolls were repeating identical narratives with words carefully curated to spark public outrage.

"His father died in court after being convicted of corruption and bribery. He got what he deserved! Now the son is just as cold-blooded and ruthless—like father, like son!"

"How can the son of a criminal be allowed to become a lawyer? Is he using his position to take revenge on society?"

"We strongly demand that the Bar Association revoke Mason Carter's license and remove him from the legal community!"

When I stepped into the law firm, the colleagues who usually treated me with respect were now gathered in small groups, whispering and pointing at me. Their eyes were filled with suspicion, contempt, and even glee over my situation.

I ignored them and walked straight into my office. The moment I sat down, three senior partners of the firm opened the door and entered.

Robert Davis, the lead senior partner, threw a partnership termination agreement onto my desk, his face pale with fury.

"Look at the mess you've caused, Mason! The firm's phone lines have been flooded with calls from the media and other angry citizens! Several major clients are also demanding to terminate their contracts with us because of the negative publicity you brought to us!" he jabbed a finger and roared at me.

"I don't care what kind of grudge you have against Christa Lowry or the Harlow family. You're going to issue a public apology right this instant and announce that you will take on her case!

"Otherwise, in accordance with the reputational damage clause in the partnership agreement, we have no choice but to unilaterally terminate your status as a partner and demand compensation for the firm's losses!"

Alex had been standing by the office door. Now pale with distress, he clenched his fists and cried out, "Mr. Davis! Mr. Carter would never do those things they're saying about him! The things on the internet are nothing but lies and—"

"Shut up! You have no right to talk here!" Robert shot at him.

Suddenly, my phone screen lit up with a message from Todd. "See what happens when you challenge me? What makes you think the son of a convicted criminal has what it takes to go up against me, huh?

"If you get on your knees, beg for my forgiveness, and agree to take on the case, I'll let you keep your license. Otherwise, I'll make sure you remain in the gutter for the rest of your life."

Once again, furious comments swept across my vision like an angry tidal wave.

[I'm so angry right now! It's so infuriating to see these filthy elitists using money to manipulate the public narrative!]

[And these senior partners at the law firm are just slimy snakes who kick people when they're down! All this time, they've been using him as their cash cow, but now that something has happened, they're trying to back him into a corner!]

[Don't just put up with this, Mason! Throw the evidence at them! Let them see who the real criminals are!]

[Bring out the big guns, Mason! I want to see blood! I want to see Todd and Christa on their knees begging for mercy!]

I put my phone down and slowly lifted my gaze.

"Leave the termination agreement aside for now," I said as I eyed Robert coldly. "Give me 24 hours. I'll provide the law firm—and the public—a satisfactory answer."

Robert froze for a moment, intimidated by the frosty look in my eyes. His tone eased up a little as he asked, "H-How do you plan on answering to everyone? The Harlows have already gone all out to—"

"That's my business." I stood and grabbed my car keys. "Alex, we're heading out."